Cancer that starts in and affects the rectum or colon is known as colorectal or colon cancer. Colon cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women and the third most common for men. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that about every 1 in 23 women and 1 in 21 men will develop colon cancer in the United States. Since many people do not experience any symptoms during the early stages of the disease, taking preventative measures is necessary. Luckily, many experts agree that making moderate diet changes can prevent an estimated 70 percent of colon cancer cases, so learning more about the foods that fight colon cancer is necessary to help raise awareness of this deadly disease.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading knowledge and awareness of this deadly disease. Learn more about the foods that fight colon cancer, and which foods you should be avoiding.
• Avoid saturated fats, and instead concentrate on ingesting high-quality fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, fish oils, avocado, seeds, and nuts.
• Limit your consumption of red and processed meats. Instead, ingest more lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish.
• Ingest foods that are rich in protein, which can help aid the body to repair tissues and cells, as well as boost your immunity. Good sources of protein include eggs, beans, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and nuts.
• Eat a minimum of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily to help fight against cancer. Eat a variety of colors for the most significant benefit, as they contain the needed antioxidants that the body needs for optimal performance.
• Include whole grain foods to your diet, as they are an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates. Whole grain foods such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, and oatmeal are an excellent way to help keep energy levels raised.
• Limit or avoid foods that are high in artificial sugar and that are heavily processed. They offer little to no nutritional value, so stay away from excess sugar.
